Estimation of Permeability from NMR Logs Based on Formation Classification Method in Tight Gas Sands

The Schlumberger Doll Research (SDR) model and cross plot of porosity versus permeability cannot be directly used in tight gas sands. In this study, the HFU approach is introduced to classify rocks, and determine the involved parameters in the SDR model. Based on the difference of FZI, 87 core samples, drilled from tight gas sandstones reservoirs of E basin in northwest China and applied for laboratory NMR measurements, were classified into three types, and the involved parameters in the SDR model are calibrated separately. Meanwhile, relationships of porosity versus permeability are also established. The statistical model is used to calculate consecutive FZI from conventional logs. Field examples illustrate that the calibrated SDR models are applicable in permeability estimation; models established from routine core analyzed results are effective in reservoirs with permeability lower than 0.3 mD, while the unified SDR model is only valid in reservoirs with permeability ranges from 0.1 to 0.3 mD.     

Modeling rock permeability from NMR relaxation data by PLS regression

This study explores the application of the partial least squares regression (PLSR) technique to rock permeability prediction from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation data. A total of 68 Brazilian sandstone cores selected from reservoirs and outcrop analogs were fully saturated and analyzed by NMR. The permeability of the cores ranged from 0.007 to 9,800 mD. From their ¹H transverse relaxation times (T₂) measured at 2 MHz, two PLSR models were developed for the relaxation spectra and the raw relaxation curves. Both models led to more uniform and accurate predictions (RMSE = 0.47 and 0.50 log mD, respectively) compared with the classical Kenyon model (RMSE = 0.78 log mD).     

致密砂岩气藏裂隙-孔隙型弹性岩石物理模板研究:以川西坳陷A区为例

相对于常规砂岩,致密砂岩在岩石物理性质、力学性质等方面具有明显差异,并呈现出很强的非均质性.岩石物理模型能将储层参数与地震特性信息联系起来,因此可以作为致密砂岩储层参数与地震特性信息转换的桥梁.常规的岩石物理模型通常只考虑单一因素(例如非均匀性,单一孔隙,单一尺度等),建立的岩石物理模板并不适用于致密砂岩.本文针对高饱和气、微裂隙发育、非均质性强的致密砂岩储层,利用Voigt-Reuss-Hill模型计算混合矿物的弹性模量,采用微分等效介质(DEM)模型描述含裂隙、孔隙岩石的骨架弹性模量,基于Biot-Rayleigh波动方程构建了岩石物理弹性模板,给出了致密砂岩储层弹性参数与物性的关系.基于测井数据和实验数据对岩石物理弹性模板进行校正,并将校正后的岩石物理弹性模板结合叠前地震资料应用于川西地区储层孔隙度与裂隙含量预测.结果显示,反演裂隙含量、孔隙度与储层试气报告、测井孔隙度基本吻合,表明该模板能够较合理地应用于致密砂岩储层孔隙度及裂隙含量解释中.     

Permeability Prediction for Low Porosity Rocks by Mobile NMR

Estimating permeability from NMR well logs or mobile NMR core scanner data is an attractive method as the measurements can be performed directly in the formation or on fresh cores right after drilling. Furthermore, the method is fast and non-destructive. Compared to T ₁ relaxation times, commonly measured T ₂ distributions are influenced by external and internal magnetic field gradients. We performed two-dimensional T ₁ and T ₂ relaxation experiments on samples of Rhaetian sandstone, a rock with low porosity and small pore radii, using a mobile NMR core scanner which operates within a nearly homogeneous static magnetic field. Because small pore sizes are associated with high internal magnetic field gradients, standard methods from NMR logging in the oil industry cannot be applied for accurate permeability prediction. Therefore, a new model theory was developed, which describes the pore radius dependence of the surface relaxivity ρ ₂ by both an analytical and a more practical empirical equation. Using corrected ρ ₂ values, permeability can be predicted accurately from the logarithmic mean of the T ₂ distribution and the physically based Kozeny-Carman equation. Additional core plug measurements of structural parameters such as porosity, permeability, specific inner surface area and pore radius distributions supported the NMR results.     

基于岩石物理转换模型的苏里格致密砂岩储层测井评价与产能预测

苏里格地区致密砂岩储层勘探开发难度很大,测井解释遇到了储层参数计算和产能预测不准确的问题.本文针对这些难点,基于已有的转换模型,推导并验证了T₂-I和T₂-K_r转换模型,提出了采用转换模型应用于测井综合解释和产能预测的方法.基于实验数据设定孔径大于1 μm的孔隙为大孔,中孔孔径在1 μm和0.03 μm之间,小孔孔径为0.03 μm以下.并建立了不同孔径范围模型中关键参数α与核磁参数T_2lm的关系,这为转换模型在测井解释中的应用提供了必要条件.本文在苏里格西区分别应用T₂-I和T₂-K_r转换模型求取含水饱和度和相对渗透率曲线,并进行产能预测,处理结果显示该方法具有很好的应用效果.     

Calculation of porosity from nuclear magnetic resonance and conventional logs in gas-bearing reservoirs

The porosity may be overestimated or underestimated when calculated from conventional logs and also underestimated when derived from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logs due to the effect of the lower hydrogen index of natural gas in gas-bearing sandstones. Proceeding from the basic principle of NMR log and the results obtained from a physical rock volume model constructed on the basis of interval transit time logs, a technique of calculating porosity by combining the NMR log with the conventional interval transit time log is proposed. For wells with the NMR log acquired from the MRIL-C tool, this technique is reliable for evaluating the effect of natural gas and obtaining accurate porosity in any borehole. In wells with NMR log acquired from the CMR-Plus tool and with collapsed borehole, the NMR porosity should be first corrected by using the deep lateral resistivity log. Two field examples of tight gas sandstones in the Xujiahe Formation, central Sichuan basin, Southwest China, illustrate that the porosity calculated by using this technique matches the core analyzed results very well. Another field example of conventional gas-bearing reservoir in the Ziniquanzi Formation, southern Junggar basin, Northwest China, verifies that this technique is usable not only in tight gas sandstones, but also in any gas-bearing reservoirs.     

NMR Logging to Estimate Hydraulic Conductivity in Unconsolidated Aquifers

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logging provides a new means of estimating the hydraulic conductivity (K) of unconsolidated aquifers. The estimation of K from the measured NMR parameters can be performed using the Schlumberger‐Doll Research (SDR) equation, which is based on the Kozeny–Carman equation and initially developed for obtaining permeability from NMR logging in petroleum reservoirs. The SDR equation includes empirically determined constants. Decades of research for petroleum applications have resulted in standard values for these constants that can provide accurate estimates of permeability in consolidated formations. The question we asked: Can standard values for the constants be defined for hydrogeologic applications that would yield accurate estimates of K in unconsolidated aquifers? Working at 10 locations at three field sites in Kansas and Washington, USA, we acquired NMR and K data using direct‐push methods over a 10‐ to 20‐m depth interval in the shallow subsurface. Analysis of pairs of NMR and K data revealed that we could dramatically improve K estimates by replacing the standard petroleum constants with new constants, optimal for estimating K in the unconsolidated materials at the field sites. Most significant was the finding that there was little change in the SDR constants between sites. This suggests that we can define a new set of constants that can be used to obtain high resolution, cost‐effective estimates of K from NMR logging in unconsolidated aquifers. This significant result has the potential to change dramatically the approach to determining K for hydrogeologic applications.     

Assessment of NMR Logging for Estimating Hydraulic Conductivity in Glacial Aquifers

Glacial aquifers are an important source of groundwater in the United States and require accurate characterization to make informed management decisions. One parameter that is crucial for understanding the movement of groundwater is hydraulic conductivity, K. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logging measures the NMR response associated with the water in geological materials. By utilizing an external magnetic field to manipulate the nuclear spins associated with ¹H, the time-varying decay of the nuclear magnetization is measured. This logging method could provide an effective way to estimate K at submeter vertical resolution, but the models that relate NMR measurements to K require calibration. At two field sites in a glacial aquifer in central Wisconsin, we collected a total of four NMR logs and obtained measurements of K in their immediate vicinity with a direct-push permeameter (DPP). Using a bootstrap algorithm to calibrate the Schlumberger-Doll Research (SDR) NMR-K model, we estimated K to within a factor of 5 of the DPP measurements. The lowest levels of accuracy occurred in the lower-K (K < 10⁻⁴ m/s) intervals. We also evaluated the applicability of prior SDR model calibrations. We found the NMR calibration parameters varied with K, suggesting the SDR model does not incorporate all the properties of the pore space that control K. Thus, the expected range of K in an aquifer may need to be considered during calibration of NMR-K models. This study is the first step toward establishing NMR logging as an effective method for estimating K in glacial aquifers.     

Tight Reservoir Properties Derived by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance,Mercury Porosimetry and Computed Microtomography Laboratory Techniques. Case Study of Palaeozoic Clastic Rocks

Results of the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) investigations, mercury porosimetry measurements (MP) and computed microtomography (micro-CT), applied to the tight Palaeozoic rocks from the depths lower than 3000 m, were presented to estimate their reservoir potential. NMR signal analysis and interpretation were performed. Based on NMR driven models, permeability and Free Fluid Index were calculated for data sets divided into homogeneous clusters. Computerized mercury porosimetry results visualization and processing provided useful information, as the automatically determined Swanson parameter is correlated with petrophysical properties of rocks. Micro-CT enriched the image of porous space in qualitative and quantitative ways. Homogeneity of pore space structure was discussed using micro-CT approach. Integration of the results in the frame of reservoir parameters from standard laboratory methods and the modern ones resulted in the improvement of methodology for determining the old, deep-seated, hard sedimentary rocks reservoir potential.     

泥质砂岩液相渗透率计算新方法

液相渗透率描述了岩石的渗流特性,是评价储层与预测油气产能的重要参数.液相渗透率是指盐水溶液在岩石孔隙中流动且与岩石孔隙表面黏土矿物发生物理化学作用时所测得的渗透率;液相渗透率的实验测量条件更加接近实际地层泥质砂岩的条件,使得液相渗透率更能反映地层条件下泥质砂岩的渗流特性;然而,现有的液相渗透率评价模型较少,且模型未能揭示液相渗透率与溶液矿化度之间的关系.基于此,开展了液相渗透模型推导与计算方法研究;文中首先将岩石等效为毛管束模型,推导建立了液相渗透率与比表面、喉道曲折度、总孔隙度、黏土束缚水孔隙度等参数之间的关系;其次,根据岩石物理体积模型,推导建立了黏土束缚水孔隙度与阳离子交换容量、溶液矿化度等参数的关系;最终,将黏土束缚水孔隙度引入液相渗透率计算公式,建立了基于总孔隙度、阳离子交换容量、溶液矿化度、比表面、喉道曲折度等参数的液相渗透率理论计算模型.液相渗透率计算模型与两组实验数据均表明,液相渗透率随阳离子交换容量的增大而降低,随溶液矿化度的增大而增大.然而,液相渗透率理论计算模型的实际应用中喉道曲折度、比表面等参数求取困难,直接利用理论模型计算液相渗透率受到限制.在分析液相渗透率与孔隙渗透率模型的基础上,建立了液相渗透率与空气渗透率之间的转换模型,形成了利用转化模型计算液相渗透率的新方法.为进一步验证液相渗透率与空气渗透率转化模型的准确性,基于两组实验数据,利用转换模型计算了液相渗透率;液相渗透率计算结果与岩心测量液相渗透率实验结果对比显示,液相渗透率计算结果与实际岩心测量结果吻合较好,文中建立的液相渗透率与空气渗透率转化模型合理可靠.     

致密砂岩储层流体参数核磁共振实验研究

利用核磁共振技术对致密砂岩储层岩心流体参数进行研究,简述致密砂岩储层流体参数核磁共振测量原理及计算岩心流体参数方法。实验确定了岩心流体动用参数T2截止值方法,进行了可动流体致密砂岩储层分类评价研究。油田矿场核磁共振测量岩心含油饱和度、可动流体饱和度,并对可动流体饱和度、含油饱和度识别油水层方法进行研究。表明:实验测定红河区块岩心T2截止值为4.06ms,利用致密砂岩储层岩心可动流体等级划分标准,对致密砂岩储层岩心单井及不同层位、多井之间进行储层比较分类评价。油田矿场核磁共振技术测量计算的含油饱和度结果与常规方法测量的含油饱和度结果对比,表明油田矿场核磁测量含油饱和度是可行且可靠的。岩心含油饱和度与可动流体饱和度比值大小可识别油水层。      

含流体致密砂岩的纵波频散及衰减:基于双重双重孔隙结构模型描述的特征分析

致密砂岩普遍具有低孔、低渗及微裂缝发育的地质特征,并且呈现出很强的非均匀性.致密砂岩储层与常规砂岩储层比较,具有明显的岩石物理性质、渗流力学性质方面的差异.致密砂岩内部的非均匀性对弹性波频散、衰减有显著影响,其中包括孔隙结构的非均匀性,即岩石内部孔隙参数的不均一性,以及孔隙内部不相混溶流体的非均匀分布;此外,非均匀性的尺度也决定了波出现显著频散与衰减的频段.综合考虑致密砂岩孔隙结构非均匀性及流体斑块状饱和的非均匀性,本文采用双双重孔隙介质结构模拟了致密砂岩的弹性波响应,分析了同时具备两类非均质性岩石中的波传播特征.调查分析了两组分别来自中国鄂尔多斯盆地苏里格气田及四川盆地广安气田的不同类型致密砂岩储层的岩芯超声波实验数据,给出了岩石样本的弹性波速度频散与衰减曲线.结果显示理论模型预测结果与完全饱和、部分饱和岩石的实验数据吻合良好.对两个地区致密砂岩岩芯数据进行对比分析,苏里格致密砂岩样本总体上比广安致密砂岩渗透率高,在各孔隙度范围内,特征模拟显示苏里格样本的裂隙尺寸明显大于广安样本.广安致密砂岩在低孔隙度范围内发育了更多、更小的颗粒裂隙/接触.致密砂岩的速度频散与衰减结果受流体黏度、晶体破裂及流体斑块状饱和的共同影响.此外,孔隙度越大,部分饱和岩石中斑块状饱和机制对总衰减的贡献越低,与之相对,结构非均质性所占的比重则有所增强.     

致密砂岩储层CO2驱油特征的核磁共振实验研究

利用核磁共振技术对致密砂岩储层不同渗透率级别基质岩心和裂缝基质岩心不同驱替压力下CO2驱油特征进行了研究,简述核磁共振原理及实验方法。表明:致密砂岩储层特低、超低渗透基质岩心在初始CO2驱替压力下,岩心毛细孔隙和微毛细孔隙区间的油不同程度被采出,随着CO2驱替压力增大,特低、超低渗透基质岩心毛细孔隙区间油的采出程度不断增加且累积采出程度不同。裂缝致密砂岩储层岩心,裂缝和毛细孔隙区间的油在初始CO2驱替压力下,岩心裂缝中的油及毛细孔隙中的部分油被驱替出来,CO2驱替压力提高毛细孔隙、微毛细区间油的采出程度和累积采收程度较小。致密砂岩储层特低、超低渗透基质岩心和裂缝致密砂岩储层岩心,随着CO2驱替压力增大毛细孔隙区间的部分剩余油成正比增加进入到微毛细孔隙区间改变储层剩余油分布。核磁共振技术能够深入研究致密砂岩储层CO2不同驱替压力阶段,岩心裂缝、毛细孔隙区间、微毛细孔隙区间油的采出程度和剩余油分布情况,对于研究致密砂岩储层微观驱油机理具有较重要的价值。      

部分饱和砂岩储层地震物理模拟及含气饱和度预测分析

含气饱和度预测是天然气储层地震解释工作的重要目标.本文将岩石物理分析与地震物理模拟技术相结合,构建了部分;饱和砂岩储层物理模型并进行含气饱和度预测分析.物理模型中设置了高孔渗常规砂岩和低孑孔渗致密砂岩两种模拟储层,每种储层都是由具有不同含水饱和度的气-水双相饱和砂体组成.岩石物理分析结果显示在低孔渗致密砂岩中气-水混合流体更加倾向于非均匀的斑块分布,而结合了Brie等效流体公式的Gassmann流体替换理论可以更准确地描述纵波速度随含水饱和度的变化趋势.对物理模型进行地震资料采集处理后,对比了AVO特征和叠前同步反演结果对两种砂岩储层含气饱和度预测能力的差异.AVO特征结果显示,对于混合流体均匀分布的高孔渗砂岩储层,AVO响应曲线和属性变化很难对含气饱和度进行估算;对于混合流体斑块分布的致密砂岩储层,AVO特征可以定性地分辨出储层是否为高、中、低含气情况.反演结果显示,密度及纵横波速度比分别对高孔渗及致密砂岩储层的含气饱和度有着较好的指示能力.     

Bootstrap Calibration and Uncertainty Estimation of Downhole NMR Hydraulic Conductivity Estimates in an Unconsolidated Aquifer

Characterization of hydraulic conductivity (K) in aquifers is critical for evaluation, management, and remediation of groundwater resources. While estimates of K have been traditionally obtained using hydraulic tests over discrete intervals in wells, geophysical measurements are emerging as an alternative way to estimate this parameter. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logging, a technology once largely applied to characterization of deep consolidated rock petroleum reservoirs, is beginning to see use in near‐surface unconsolidated aquifers. Using a well‐known rock physics relationship—the Schlumberger Doll Research (SDR) equation—K and porosity can be estimated from NMR water content and relaxation time. Calibration of SDR parameters is necessary for this transformation because NMR relaxation properties are, in part, a function of magnetic mineralization and pore space geometry, which are locally variable quantities. Here, we present a statistically based method for calibrating SDR parameters that establishes a range for the estimated parameters and simultaneously estimates the uncertainty of the resulting K values. We used co‐located logging NMR and direct K measurements in an unconsolidated fluvial aquifer in Lawrence, Kansas, USA to demonstrate that K can be estimated using logging NMR to a similar level of uncertainty as with traditional direct hydraulic measurements in unconsolidated sediments under field conditions. Results of this study provide a benchmark for future calibrations of NMR to obtain K in unconsolidated sediments and suggest a method for evaluating uncertainty in both K and SDR parameter values.     

有效应力变化对致密砂岩孔隙结构及弹性波响应的影响规律

致密砂岩气藏具有裂缝发育和有效应力高的特征,研究不同有效压力下孔、裂隙介质地震波传播特征,有利于地震解释与地下储层的识别.但是前人的研究较少考虑岩石内部微观孔隙结构特征与孔隙、裂隙间流体流动的关系.本文首先通过选取四川盆地典型致密砂岩岩样,在不同有效压力下对岩石样本进行超声波实验测量.然后基于实验测得的纵、横波速度进行裂隙参数反演,得到不同有效压力下致密砂岩样本的裂隙孔隙度.再将裂隙孔隙度和样本岩石物理参数代入双重孔隙介质模型,模拟得到不同有效压力下饱水致密砂岩样本纵横波速度频散和衰减的变化规律.结果表明模型预测的速度频散曲线与纵波速度实验测量结果能够较好的吻合.最后统计分析了致密砂岩裂隙参数,得到了致密砂岩储层裂隙参数随有效压力及孔隙度变化特征.依据实际岩石物理参数建立模型,其裂隙参数三维拟合结果能够较好描述致密砂岩裂隙结构与孔隙度、应力的关联,可为实际地震勘探中预测储层裂缝性质提供基础依据.     

Hydraulic Conductivity from Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Logs in Sediments with Elevated Magnetic Susceptibilities

This study examined the application of slim-hole nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) tools to estimate hydraulic conductivity (K_NMR) in an unconsolidated aquifer that contains a range of grain sizes (silt to gravel) and high and variable magnetic susceptibilities (MS) (10⁻⁴ to 10⁻² SI). A K calibration dataset was acquired at 1-m intervals in three fully screened wells, and compared to K_NMR estimates using the Schlumberger-Doll research (SDR) equation with published empirical constants developed from previous studies in unconsolidated sediments. While K_NMR using published constants was within an order of magnitude of K, the agreement, overprediction, or underprediction of K_NMR varied with the MS distribution in each well. An examination of the effects of MS on NMR data and site-specific empirical constants indicated that the exponent on T_2ML (n-value in the SDR equation, representing the diffusion regime) was found to have the greatest influence on K_NMR estimation accuracy, while NMR porosity did not improve the prediction of K. K_NMR was further improved by integrating an MS log into the NMR analyses. A first approach detrended T_2ML for the effects of MS prior to calculating K_NMR, and a second approach introduced an MS term into the SDR equation. Both were found to produce similar refinements of K_NMR in intervals of elevated MS. This study found that low frequency NMR logging with short echo times shows promise for sites with moderate to elevated MS levels, and recommends a workflow that examines parameter relationships and integrates MS logs into the estimation of K_NMR.     

基于核磁共振双截止值的致密砂岩渗透率评价新方法

对比分析致密砂岩岩心在完全含水状态和束缚水状态下的核磁共振T₂谱,明确了致密砂岩孔隙中流体的赋存状态和渗流规律,指出常规核磁共振方法预测渗透率的局限性并提出核磁共振双截止值的概念.基于核磁共振双截止值,将储集空间细分为完全可动、完全束缚、部分可动等三部分,分析不同孔隙组分对渗透率的影响,并应用三组分法建立了核磁共振渗透率表征新模型.研究表明：致密砂岩渗透率与完全可动流体饱和度、部分可动流体T₂几何平均值、核磁孔隙度成正比,与完全束缚流体饱和度成反比.在此基础上,结合完全含水核磁共振T₂谱的二阶差分得到了双截止值的自适应确定方法,可以连续地计算储层双截止值.将该研究成果应用于生产实践,渗透率计算精度有较大的提高.     

多孔可变临界孔隙度模型及储层孔隙结构表征

碳酸盐岩、致密砂岩和页岩等储层具有孔隙类型多样、孔隙结构复杂和非均质性强等特征,属于典型的多重孔隙储层,孔隙结构表征是多重孔隙储层预测和流体识别的关键.现有的孔隙结构表征方法大多利用孔隙纵横比或者构建一种新参数来描述孔隙结构.岩石临界孔隙度模型是一种常用的岩石物理模型,具有一定的物理意义和地质含义.本文推导了岩石临界孔隙度与岩石孔隙结构(孔隙纵横比)之间的关系,进而利用极化(形状)因子建立临界孔隙度与弹性参数之间的关系,构建了能够包含多种孔隙类型的多孔可变临界孔隙度模型.利用多孔可变临界孔隙度模型由储层的弹性参数反演不同孔隙类型的体积含量.实验室测量数据和实际测井数据表明,多孔可变临界孔隙度模型能够适用于多重孔隙储层岩石物理建模和孔隙结构表征.     

热处理对致密岩石物理性质的影响

致密气藏低孔低渗和超低含水饱和度等特征使其潜在水相圈闭损害严重,致密天然气产出表现为多尺度特征.选取泥页岩、致密砂岩和致密碳酸盐岩岩心,开展了100~600℃高温处理对岩心渗透率、孔隙度、重量、长度、直径和声速的影响实验.实验结果表明,碳酸盐岩、致密砂岩和泥页岩的热开裂阈值分别在300~400℃、300~500℃和500~600℃;高温处理后,岩心重量和密度降低,体积增加,泥页岩岩心孔隙度和渗透率提高幅度最显著,600℃处理后声波时差比常温时岩心声波时差提高了1.3倍.热处理消除了水相圈闭和粘土矿物膨胀损害,提高岩石孔隙度和渗透率,恢复或改善致密储层多尺度传质,有利于致密天然气资源开发,但同时高温使岩石破裂,扩展天然裂缝或产生新裂缝,导致工作液漏失,因此,热致裂给勘探开发致密天然气提出了机遇与挑战.